AVG AntiVirus Free program does not include all the bells and whistles of paid versions such as AVG Internet Security or AVG Premium Security. For instance, the free version does not support continuous monitoring or automatic updates. Nevertheless, AVG AntiVirus Free does provide good manual virus and malware detection as long as you run and update the program often. In most cases, installing AVG AntiVirus Free is relatively straightforward. However, if the AVG installation fails because of service or installer errors, you can usually resolve the problem relatively quickly.

Upgrading from Older Versions

AVG releases a new version of its AntiVirus Free program virtually every year. Therefore, if you are a long-time AVG user, chances are good you have updated the application or installed an older version at least once. In most cases, you can upgrade or update AVG without a problem. However, if you experience installer or service-related problems, the first thing you suspect is an older version that may have not closed properly or one that fails to unlock or release files needed when installing the latest version. AVG offers the AVG Remover tool, which enables you to erase and delete older versions of the program so you can install the latest release on a clean slate. You can download the AVG Remover tool free from the AVG website (link in Resources).

Windows Installer Service

Windows Installer Service-related errors are common with many applications, and AVG is no exception. If the Windows Installer Service fails to start or shuts down unexpectedly, installation routines that depend on the service fail also. Therefore, if the AVG installer displays a "Failed Windows Installer Service" or similarly worded error, the Windows Installer Service probably just encountered an error and shut down to prevent damage to Windows. In most cases, restarting the computer will resolve Windows Installer Service errors. However, you may be able to rectify the problem without rebooting by restarting the service manually. To restart the service, first press "Windows-R," type "services.msc" into the "Open" box and then press "Enter." Scroll down to and right-click the Windows Installer Service, and then click "Restart."

Incompatible Applications

There are a few known compatibility issues with certain applications that cause "starting service" errors when installing AVG AntiVirus Free. If you have Lavasoft AdAware or eAcceleration StopSign Firewall installed on your computer and have not updated the application recently, this may result in service errors when installing AVG. Fixing errors related to these incompatible applications is relatively simple, as downloading and installing the latest versions of the programs will resolve the failed installation issues with AVG AntiVirus Free.

Malware Infections

If all else fails, and you still can't install AVG AntiVirus Free, your computer may already have an infection that is preventing you from installing the program. Some fake anti-virus and malware programs defend themselves by preventing the installation of legitimate products such as AVG. If you suspect you may have a malware program blocking the installation of AVG or producing service errors, start your computer in Safe Mode and download Malwarebytes Antimalware or SuperAntiSpyware. While still in Safe Mode, install the anti-malware application, update its definition and signature patterns, and then run a complete system scan. After removing any found infections, restart the computer in normal mode and try installing AVG AntiVirus Free again.

About the Author

Jeff Grundy has been writing computer-related articles and tutorials since 1995. Since that time, Grundy has written many guides to using various applications that are published on numerous how-to and tutorial sites. Born and raised in South Georgia, Grundy holds a Master of Science degree in mathematics from the Georgia Institute of Technology.